Image Forming Apparatus Paper Feed Pressure Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience paper feed failures, such as multiple feeding, when oriented in an upright position, as they struggle to separate individual sheets from the paper feed tray effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a platform with a pickup roller and a pressure changer mechanism, utilizing a helical compression spring that adjusts its length based on the apparatus's orientation, ensuring appropriate pressure is applied to prevent multiple sheet feeding in both horizontal and upright positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the image forming apparatus is oriented in an upright position to save space, then the space occupation is reduced, but paper feed failure such as multiple feeding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed to be movable in the paper feed direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and pressure application point. This dynamic capability enables the pressing member to adapt to different operational conditions in both horizontal and upright orientations, preventing multiple feeding by applying pressure at the appropriate location on the pickup roller
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member changes the parameter of pressure application by moving along the paper feed direction. In upright orientation, the pressing member positions itself to apply pressure at a specific point on the pickup roller, ensuring single-sheet pickup. This parameter change (position along the feed direction) resolves the contradiction between space saving and paper feed reliability
2Device complexity
If a conventional fixed pressing member is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot prevent multiple feeding in upright position
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member transitions from a fixed structure to a movable one that can shift position in the paper feed direction. This dynamic adjustment allows the pressing member to adapt to the upright orientation and prevent multiple feeding, while the movement is achieved through a relatively simple mechanism involving the pickup roller's rotation and the pressing member's contact with the platform
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents paper feed failures by adjusting the pressure applied to the pickup roller, ensuring single-sheet pickup in various orientations, enhancing the reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member that rotates a turnable pressurizing plate by linear elastic force
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a helical compression spring that adjusts its length based on the apparatus's orientation
Implementation Method 3
a pickup roller in contact with the recording sheets and configured to pick up the recording sheets one at a time
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus that is orientatable in either a first position or a second position, the second position being different from the first position in inclination with respect to a horizontal plane, comprising: a platform configured to be stacked with a plurality of recording sheets used for image formation; a pickup roller in contact with the recording sheets and configured to pick up the recording sheets one at a time; a pressing member applying pressure to the platform against the pick-up roller; and a pressure changer causing the pressing member to change an amount of the pressure according to whether the image forming apparatus is in the first position or in the second position.